Chemistry (12th Edition)

by
Wilbraham

Published by
Prentice Hall

ISBN 10:
0132525763

ISBN 13:
978-0-13252-576-3

Chapter 21 - Electrochemistry - 21 Assessment: 31

Answer

In a voltaic cell, a salt bridge is used to connect the two half-cells. The purpose of the salt bridge is to allow both positive and negative ions to move to a half-cell in order to maintain the electrical neutrality of the system. If no salt bridge was present, the solution in one half-cell would become negatively charged and the solution in the other half-cell would become positively charged. This would prevent the reaction from proceeding. Thus, by replenishing positive and negative ions to the half-cells, the salt bridge provides neutrality and ensures the reaction continues its course.

Work Step by Step

In a voltaic cell, a salt bridge is used to connect the two half-cells. The purpose of the salt bridge is to allow both positive and negative ions to move to a half-cell in order to maintain the electrical neutrality of the system. If no salt bridge was present, the solution in one half-cell would become negatively charged and the solution in the other half-cell would become positively charged. This would prevent the reaction from proceeding. Thus, by replenishing positive and negative ions to the half-cells, the salt bridge provides neutrality and ensures the reaction continues its course.